Human stature: which growth model?

The performance of the 6-parameter model No. 3 of Preece and Baines (1978) for growth in human stature is compared with that of the 5-parameter model No. 1 and of the recent 7-parameter JPPS model (Jolicoeur et al., 1988) on data ranging from birth to adulthood about 27 healthy children from the French auxological survey. Model No. 3 has slightly larger residual mean squares on the average, in spite of its additional parameter, and is less robust than model No. 1. The JPPS model passes through the origin, fits infants as satisfactorily as older children and has much smaller residual mean squares than the models of Preece and Baines. The recently revised 6-parameter model of Kanefuji and Shohoji (1990) is not invariant with respect to time scale. JPPS appears to be the most satisfactory asymptotic model for growth in human stature at the present time.     

Cholecystokinin secretion induced by β-conglycinin peptone depends on Gαq-mediated pathways in enteroendocrine cells

Background  Intraduodenal administration of peptone prepared from soybean β-conglycinin (BconP) stimulates cholecystokinin (CCK) secretion from enteroendocrine cells, and suppresses food intake in rats. However, the sensing mechanism of BconP by CCK-producing cells is unknown. Aim of the study  We investigated signal transduction pathways mediating CCK secretion in response to BconP in the murine CCK-producing cell line, STC-1. Methods  STC-1 cells were seeded in 48-well culture plates until sub-confluent and CCK secretion was examined under various conditions. CCK concentration was determined by the enzyme immunoassay. Results  BconP dose-dependently induced CCK secretion in STC-1 cells. Treatment with BAPTA-AM, an intracellular Ca²⁺ chelator, reduced BconP-induced CCK secretion, however, removal of extracellular Ca²⁺ did not affect the secretory response. Treatment with 2-amino borate (2-APB) reduced CCK releasing responses, suggesting the involvement of IP₃. In addition, BconP failed to induce CCK secretion after treatment with the Gαq protein inhibitor (YM-254890). Conclusion  These results indicate that Gαq pathway is responsible for BconP-induced CCK secretion in STC-1 cells, and suggest the involvement of a Gαq-coupled GPCR(s) in dietary peptide sensing in enteroendocrine cells.     

Prevalence of concurrent Chlamydia trachomatis infections among men with gonococcal urethritis in Lusaka

The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infections among male patients with gonococcal urethritis in the sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) clinic at UTH, Lusaka, was determined by two methods to be around 4.7%. Methods used were specific for C. trachomatis (Syva Microtrak), and second isolation of C. trachomatis. The results indicate that with a prevalence rate of 4-7% for concurrent gonococcal and chlamydial infection, it is not financially or medically practical to treat all cases of gonorrhoea in Zambia for possible chlamydial infection, as is advocated in some countries. The findings further suggest that the commercially available Syva Microtrak test should probably be considered positive when one or two monoclonal-stained elementary bodies are seen, rather than ten, to avoid false-negative results.     

Use of Nd-YAG laser in an emergency partial splenectomy

Traumatic rupture of the spleen is usually treated by splenectomy. This has immunological disadvantages for children and teenagers. We report a case where, after traumatic rupture, the splenic hilar remnant was preserved by using a neodymium-YAG laser.     

Impact of sex and its interaction with age on the management of and outcome for patients with acute myocardial infarction in 4 Japanese hospitals

Background Several studies from the United States and from European countries have detected sex and age differences in clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to determine how sex and age influence the management of and outcome for patients with acute myocardial infarction in Japan. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed by means of patient chart review at 4 teaching hospitals in Japan. There was a total of 482 patients (136 females [28%], 346 males [72%]) admitted consecutively with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction between July, 1995 and June, 1996. Results Female patients were older and had more comorbid diseases than male patients. Female patients also tended to have more cardiac complications during hospitalization and a greater 30-day mortality (10% vs 4%, P < .05). After adjustment for baseline characteristics and age/sex interaction, it was found that female patients were less likely to undergo thrombolytic therapy, cardiac catheterization, or revascularization, and they had a greater 30-day mortality. These sex differences in cardiac catheterization and revascularization were more pronounced for older patients. On the other hand, the sex differences in 30-day mortality were greater for younger patients. Conclusions Our data suggest that cardiac catheterization, revascularization and 30-day mortality may have been related to patient sex and age, but further study is needed. (Am Heart J 2002;144:101-7.)     

Cardiac Calcified Amorphous Tumor

Abstract   Cardiac calcified amorphous tumor is a rare pseudoneoplastic intracavitary mass composed of calcium deposits in a background of amorphous degenerating fibrin. We report occurrence of this lesion in the right atrium in two male patients. These were accompanied by calcific occlusion of the inferior vena cava and right pulmonary artery. (J Card Surg 2010;25:32-35)